Robin Olson's blog

Four weeks since the cats arrived...

Two are adopted and doing well: Dasher and Vixen.

Of the remaining seven who have been sick this past month, only ONE just got the OK to be released for adoption-just ONE! The “winner” is Comet!

After being hospitalized with a high fever, dehydration, tapeworms and a very serious URI, Comet is now clear of everything and has put on a total of TWO POUNDS since she arrived. She weighs a slender, but healthy, six pounds. She was all but skin and bones when I first got her. She would not have lasted much longer at the shelter, that's for sure. Between her size, her poor condition and her coloring-she had the odds stacked up against her. I'm so glad she's with us now! Safe and loved.

Comet's been staying with Jennifer, who's also caring for Rudy. The two tuxes have become good friends and enjoy running around their foster room and take turns beating each other up. How sweet! You may recall that Comet likes to “eat Rudy's brains.” Rudy doesn't seem to mind, though he has not turned into a Zombie, thankfully.

I haven't put Comet up for adoption yet because while she was here for a day, I heard her sneezing and Jennifer mentioned the same thing. I'm going to be VERY conservative about when I put any of these guys up for adoption now. Although Comet is spayed and ready to go, I don't want her to relapse in her new home, especially if she's with other cats (which is one of my goals since she loves Rudy so much, she should be with other cats. I'd prefer if she and Rudy could stay together, but...Rudy can't be adopted right now.)

Miss Comet, at almost nine months, looking very sweet and fantastic-at last!

Comet tickling Rudy's leg. Any second now, she'll be going after his BRAINS, of course!

Then there's little Rudy. He's a complete goofhead. Yes, that's a technical term for GOOFY! Since he's arrived, I have NEVER heard him breathing normally. Jennifer reported that he was doing great until a few days ago when he started to sound bad again. I got him to the Vet and she grabbed some x-rays of his chest. Rudy has Bronchitis. Thankfully, it's not Pnuemonia, but Rudy's on a brand new round of medications-lots and lots of medications that have to be given FOUR times a day. Rudy's been through so much in his short life, but he's a tough cookie and I expect him to recover in time. For now, he's getting lots of love and care and both Jennifer and her husband, Ron are in love with both their tuxy-fosters.

Rudy is a powerhouse of nuttiness. I wish he would get better!!! Poor lamb chop!

This morning, just before I was about to post this article, I got an email from Jennifer. Rudy is not improving and now Comet has a “runny nose.” Oh brother...one step forward and one step tripped, fell, smacked my head on the floor. Ugh!

Thanks to our reader, Mary, she posted a link in the comment section of my last post regarding where to make donations to help the animals of Haiti. You can make your donation by visiting:
WSPA, Animals in Disasters Blog.

I did a bit of digging around because this web site didn't seem very legit. I found more info and sounds like these guys ARE doing the work, according to Charity Navigator, an online resource for checking out charities. Here's the info so you can decide for yourself if you'd like to make a donation: WSPCA on Charity Navigator and here's their main web site, too.

So you can donate through their blog, or via their web site, whichever you prefer.

It seems absolutely ridiculous for me to post the article I was planning for today-a “tips & tricks” essay on how to get your cat (or kittens) to eat what you feed them. I think I've learned a few things, over the past few years, that I'd like to pass on to all of you. It's interesting that with better observation and not giving up right away, that you can get your kitty to eat the good stuff you're trying to get him/her to eat. But...I digress...

As all of you know, last night there was a devastating earthquake in Haiti, the poorest country in the western world. Not only have these people endured two very serious tropical storms just last year, but now this-

There's plenty of time for cute photos of kittens and updates in the coming days. Today, I ask all of you to consider making a donation to help the victims of the Haiti Earthquake by visiting the American Red Cross's web site and make a donation to their International Response Fund.

Here's what they have to say:

You can help the victims of countless crises, like the recent earthquake in Haiti, around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation by mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Donations to the International Response Fund can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org.

While I feel it's terrible that something so tragic is what sheds light on this poor country, I hope that it inspires people from around the world to gather together to help these people out.

Sadly, I was not able to find any information on whether or not there is animal rescue going on in Haiti-now or prior to the Earthquake. If you know of any organizations that are lined up to help companion animals in Haiti, please let me know so I can post information here.

I'm feeing a bit under the weather today, so I'm gonna keep this short. Today I took Cupid & the kittens to the Vet for a re-check. I'll give you all the details, along with photos tomorrow, but there's one thing I'd like to tell you now:

CUPID GAINED A POUND IN A WEEK!!!!!!!

This is what happens when you don't let kittens nurse on their poor, tired Mama! Cupid FEELS so much more like a “normal” cat now. Honestly, she was just skin and bones before. I'm so glad for her, but I HAVE to keep her separated from the kittens, which means usually she has to be locked in the dog crate while the kittens run around loose. It sucks, but it's for the best. As you know, I take Mama out to my bedroom for breaks so she can stretch out for awhile. I really like her. I just wish she'd want to snuggle with me, but so far she's content to sit a few feet away and hang out.

More tomorrow, with any luck...

Looks like all the kitties are finally starting to get better. I'm told that Rudy and Comet are enjoying their new digs at Jennifer's house. They're playing and having a good time. Comet, apparently, likes to “eat Rudy's brains,” which Jennifer describes as her grabbing his head and chomping playfully on it. They're both drying out and heading towards good health. Then we try to find them homes again, since we lost their last adopters. They just didn't want to wait.

Cupid and the crew are growing and gaining weight. Blitzen still has nasty eyes, but not as bad as this past weekend. Dancer is getting better and Prancer and Donner seem to be past the worst of it. Cupid acts oddly. I can't quite figure her out. She wasn't even trying to nurse her kittens so I let them hang out together. Now that she's feeling better, I caught them nursing on her so I had to separate them again. I HATE doing this because Mama is the one who gets locked up in the dog crate while the kids run around the room like maniacs. Cupid looks depressed. She's slightly friendly at times, but won't sit too close. Other times she purrs and follows me closely around the room. I can't figure out what she wants.

Tonight I gave her a break and took her into my bedroom to keep me company as I folded laundry. I know, exciting. She calmly sniffed around the room with her tail held high-a GREAT sign. She was interested in everything and seemed to perk up without the kittens around. I decided I was going to grab a shower, but first wanted to brush my teeth.

Cupid followed me into the bathroom. The SECOND I turned the faucet on, she had pushed me out of the way and was drinking from the tap!

She seemed quite delighted and I was quite surprised! Suddenly this laid back, almost emotionless cat was interested in something. She had a good drink, then took a break then went back for more.

Of course she could not resist that there is a SECOND sink in the bathroom, too. So I turned it on so I could finish brushing my teeth.

Now that she's feeling a bit better, you can see how pouffy her tail is getting. It's REALLY LONG, too. She is a pretty kitty. I'm gonna try to get her away from the kittens more often so I can see her personality shine through. It was nice to see her rolling on the carpet with her paws in the air. Normally she sits on the hard wood floor, never on something soft and the foster room is filled with beds. Weird. Regardless, I think someone will really enjoy giving her a home, from what I can tell.

We didn't hang out too long. Cupid started to cry. I think she was worried about the kittens so I brought her back. She burbled to the kittens when she returned and they all ran over to her to...NURSE! Damn it! I had to lock her up right away. I really feel bad doing this to her. I may see about moving her to a foster home for a week so she can really dry out, but not have to be locked in a cage. Thursday they go back for a re-check. If I get an OK from the Vet, I'll move her for the next week. She really needs time to herself and a vacation from the kids.

Don't we all?

Looks like some of the kittens are showing signs of being almost DONE with the URI, eye infection, ear mites, etc...Hurrah! Perhaps in another week they will be clear.

Yesterday, however, I almost ran Blitzen and Dancer to the ER. Both of them are struggling with eye infections and snotty nose problems. I ran out of some of their eye meds and wondered if they would be stable enough for the day to avoid the trip through the snow storm and the nasty roads to get them seen by a Vet.

Thankfully, Super Deb stepped up to the plate and offered to come over and save the day! Who is better than you, Deb? Who? Our first mission, though was to check out Your Healthy Pet, where we do our Adoption Events. Deb had never been and was foaming at the mouth to check out the goodies. She brought along her super-cute dog, Jayne. Jayne is a shizhu? Right, Deb? With one brown eye and one blue eye. Janyne is a very mellow dog. Once in awhile I take her for a walk and she just toodles along. I didn't think anything would get this dog's motor running. That was until we got to the pet food store.

Jayne during one of our walks earlier last year.

Jayne met Chandler, the owner's of YHP dog. Chandler is a “chweenie”-a Chihuahua and a Dachshund. Chandler is very energetic and outgoing. He loves to bring his toys over for you to toss, well once he saw Janyne, all fetching was off. He wanted Jayne, while Jayne played coy. Chandler sniffed at her and nudged her, then all of a sudden it was like a switch was flipped and Jayne jumped to life. Both dogs started slipping and sliding across the wooden floor trying to dominate the other. Jayne was making all sorts of noise and we were all a bit concerned that the dogs were going to really fight, but Super Deb assured us that Jayne was having fun.

Within a few moments, any throw rugs were being shot across the room, the dogs tearing up the floor, barking, jumping, dodging between stacks of pet beds. They were both having a great time. Tom and Mary Kay said they wanted to adopt Jayne and Super Deb very cooly glared at them and they dropped the topic immediately. No way is Jayne ever going to leave Super Deb's side. Nu uh.

So the dogs had a great play date until Chandler did the unthinkable, okay I thought about it, but I didn't say anything. Chandler jumped onto Jayne's back and humped her right in front of all of us! One of the customer's declared it was “time to get a room.” We broke the dogs apart and Super Deb looked at Jayne (who I'm told usually does the humping!) and Jayne just looked at her coyly.

Then we braved the nasty roads and got back to my house in time to see the snotty, eye-boogered kittens enjoying some play time of their own. Deb felt they were ok to give them the meds they had, keep using warm compresses on their eyes to loosen up any crusts, but that overall a good number of them did look much better.

That was a big relief. I've been waiting for things to finally start to improve. Deb wondered aloud if Donner, who's doing well, could get re-sickened by being around her sick siblings (say that five times fast-sick siblings, sick siblings,sick siblings,sick siblings,sick siblings,). It's tough to say at this point, but hopefully her immune system has built up some resistance. I'll know soon if she relapses.

I have now heard from folks in FL, MI, NY, CT that they are seeing a BAD URI going around. Very unnerving, but in a way, glad to know it's not just us, but horrified because it will mean even more cats are going to die. It's a tough situation.

Super Deb didn't stay too long. I always enjoy her company and always wish she would hang out and watch a movie or have some tea or something, but Deb has to replace her cell phone and I'm sworn to secrecy as to why she has to do this in the first place. All I can say is Deb certainly lived up to the “Super” part of her name and being Super requires acting selflessly in times of danger and as a Super-Vet Tech, Deb has better things to do than worry about where she left her phone when lives are at stake. That's how she rolls, so just stand back and let her do her magic.

Rock on, Super Deb. Rock on.

Some of my cats just don't get along. For whatever reason, Bob (on the far right ) and Petunia (center) don't like each other. Bob always goes after Petunia and is quick to give her a swat if she gets too close. Is it because SHE wants to be the alpha cat and Bob wants to keep his position of authority? Perhaps.

I bought an electric blanket (on sale at Tar-gay), thinking it would be a cozy treat for my cats, since I keep the heat low in the winter. It took all of five minutes before the cats were lining up to lay on it. Not only lay on it, but stretch out, relaxed, without a care in the world. This is pretty big stuff around here. Gracie usually is really tense and high strung and Petunia is very jumpy, too. Yet, once on the warm blanket, they started to unwind, the tension falling away, as they turned into furry puddles of bliss.

I think I'm on to something! Here are mortal enemies, hanging out together, peacefully. It makes me wonder if the same thing could happen in the Middle East if everyone would just have a Spa Day together? Think about it. Put down your weapons and get a hot stone massage and a dead sea salt scrub. I mean, really, if the warmth of an electric blanket can get my cats to get along, just think what aromatherapy might do for World Peace?

This was a banner year for me, featuring not only the MOST cats I've rescued to date, but some of the most interesting and surprising rescues!

Some of the highlights include:

My first rescue from a Kill Shelter where I saved Huggy Mama, her two offspring, “Last Chance” Mama and her two offspring. All the cats have great homes (especially LC, who was adopted by her foster mama, Jennifer!)

Dealt with a flea infestation from Callalily and her five kittens!

Had my first trial by fire when 4 kittens from South Carolina got really sick with a URI (I know better now that it wasn't that big of a deal compared to what I'm dealing with now!)

Did my biggest rescue of nine cats from ONE shelter! All were vetted and placed in great homes in just over a WEEK!

TWEETIE! Not only socialized a feral kitten, giving him a shot at an easy life with a family, but got him adopted by the “Internet's Most Famous Cat”-Sockington!

Will the cat who was hit-by-car in South Carolina, with no hope to be rescued, I lucked out, wrote a few emails and not only got him help, but ended up bringing him to Connecticut to be adopted by our most marvelous CiCH friend, Clare!

Helped matchmake some geriatric kitties into loving homes and found a forever home for an abandoned kitty in South Carolina named Dolly.

Helped get the word out on Dewey, the Orange Kitty who was abandoned at my Vet's office. He was finally adopted by Dr. M!

Fostered, rescued, cared for and found homes for about 50 cats and kittens! (One, Dewey, I don't count since I didn't foster him, but he is shown below and, of course, my sick kitties aren't adopted just yet.)

It's been quite a year, with many great highlights. With any luck, next year will be just as great, if not better!

Happy New Year!

I'm sorry to globally answer everyone's questions/concerns in a post, but hopefully this will cover most of it.

Sam has his own plate of problems. Tomorrow he has to have a root canal and his mom just had very minor, elective surgery, but she is 80 and is anything minor when you're that age? I don't know what else is going on since, we're not talking. He's obviously pissed at me for being short with him because I'm stressed out of my mind, but he has a very LOW tolerance for the slightest wrong look or sigh on my part. Yes, part of it is my fault, but not all of it.

I promise everyone I am not going to do anything to hurt myself, other than what I can't help-not eating right, not sleeping well and stress hurt me, but you know what I mean.

Today, I discovered I was an idiot (again) for locking Donner in the dog crate to keep her from feeding on Cupid. When I came back into the room I realized she had dumped the water bowl ALL over the crate and herself, then she basically rolled herself in clumping cat litter!!! I grabbed her and took her to the bathroom that I had just spent a few hours scrubbing, and put her in the sink. She was covered with litter and that shit is tough to get off a kitten. I know. I should have used non-clumping litter. I know!!! Ugh...

Donner was wriggling around so I scruffed her. She looked up at me and my rage evaporated. How the Hell could I get bent out of shape when this little kitten needed me? I just focused on the task, not piled it up on my pity pile. I got her as clean as I could. I even stopped to let her catch her breath. Her heart was racing so fast I got scared. I continued on with pulling the clumps off her fur while it lodged deeply under my fingernails.

Donner was really good about the bath, over all, and when I was done, I cranked up the space heater in the foster room so she could dry out. I held her and she shivered. She sat on my chest. I could feel her cold, damp paws on my skin. I rubbed her more with the towel, then held her side to my mouth and exhaled my warm breath onto her. She slowly stopped shaking, so I brushed her as she groomed herself. She pressed against my face and purred. I let her sit on me, tucked under my chin(s) for a good hour until she was nice and dry and warm again.

I realized I was falling in love with this little girl and feeling that helped me soften enough to keep on going.

Yes, “this too shall pass-” one of my Mother's favorite sayings. It's true. One day it will be a year later and these kitties, I hope, will all be in their forever homes and I will still be doing rescue.

While I would love someone to come and rescue ME, there is no way to do that. Jennifer taking Comet and Rudy helps tremendously. Now that their room is cleaned up, tomorrow I should have some time to focus on other things in my life. Hopefully, in time, I WILL go away on a nice vacation and get out and have some real fun, but right now I have to continue hunkering down and find a way to see this through.

It sure helps a Hell of a lot to get ALL the supportive, helpful and sincere comments from all of you! It's very humbling to me and I honestly don't feel like I deserve it. Everyone has problems, sadness, troubles in their life. I'm no different. As much as all of you would like to help me, know, too, that I would like to give it all right back-the love, the support, the compassion. You guys deserve it in droves.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.